Pulling a cart does det tiresome, carrying a stand bag or using an electric trolley is much better.
If all I've got is my cart bag, have turned up at a short course & the weather is a bit foul & course isn't very level I may use a pull cart, though they can pull on the wishbone a bit, tbh I'd still rather carry my big cart bag than pull if I've not got the electric
I guess I don't quite get the question, because you use a pull cart anytime you want to pull your clubs around and you don't want to carry them or rent a motorized cart. It is just a different choice.
And, the second question really has a big "it depends" because what affects one person's swing may not affect another. If a person likes to walk and they are forced to use a motorized cart (like some courses will -- some make people use a cart in the AM on the weekends, for example), being made to ride instead of walk make affect that person's swing. Obviously, if you are carrying, and if you don't have the physical stamina to do it, your swing will be affected. Some people will be affected by doing a lot of pulling, it depends on their bodies.
What you do all depends on your own personal choices. I don't think that you should let ego or anything like that dictate what choices you make on the course. I.e. don't let someone cajole you into carrying if you can't do it. I personally think that a pull or push cart is the best of both worlds. I like to walk the course, but while I can carry a bag for 18 holes, it really stresses my back. But, if I use a pull cart, then can walk and get some exercise and save the money and yet not have a sore back for the next 2-3 days.
Don't overlook the option of a push cart, either. I've demoed those, and they are even easier to walk with than a pull cart. Especially the ones with the wide tires, they almost feel like they glide along the ground. They usually have lots of space for things like the scorecard, pencil, ball and tee holder, cup holder, etc.
It really comes down to whatever you want to do. There are no rules about when you can or cannot use whatever mode of transportation you want -- subject to local course rules of course.
I used to have two bags, a carry bag and a cart bag. I got lazy because I didn't feel like changing bags if I went and played nine holes so I went out and bought a push cart. I use the cart bag now and if I feel like walking i use the pursh cart.
I like to walk, and when it's not too hot, and the course isn't too hilly, I'll often rent a pull cart. I always seem to be just a little more relaxed and play a little bit better when I walk.
At the moment, carrying my full stand bag (which isn't very heavy itself), with a couple quarts of water and a dozen balls is too much for my back. When I want to walk without a pull cart, I take 7 or 8 clubs in a tiny little kids bag a friend gave me. I can just grab it in one hand and carry it around no problem.
With an electric trolley I get the best of both worlds I don't need to carry something on my back & I don't need to pull something. Not only that but I get to walk the course, which is golf.
I don't know what ridding a buggy is, but one thins it isn't is golf.
I can play 36 holes with ease if I have an electric trolley in one day & probably have the energy to play more. The only limiting factor is how much charge the battery has, as there are 18 hole 27 hole & 36 hole battery.
In hot conditions I wouldn't be without my S1, much better than sitting in one of those motorised greenhouses... phew.! Had a ride in cart on holiday one day at my missuses insitence & never again.
I have used a pull cart and they work find, much better than carrying a bag on your back. No problem using one, but I got a push cart last year and it's a bit nicier to use. But I can't fit my bag and push cart in my truck when the bag is on the cart, something that I could do with my pull cart. Will not fit in the passenger side of my truck now. Have to put the cart in the back and the bag up front. Getting to and from the course is a lot more hassle with the push cart compared to the pull cart, for what that's worth to you.
I hate to ride a cart, so I always walk and use a cart every time. At 61, I'm not about to carry a bag around the course. Only time I carry my bag is when I go to the driving range.
... I got a push cart last year and it's a bit nicier to use. But I can't fit my bag and push cart in my truck when the bag is on the cart, something that I could do with my pull cart. Will not fit in the passenger side of my truck now. Have to put the cart in the back and the bag up front. Getting to and from the course is a lot more hassle with the push cart compared to the pull cart, for what that's worth to you.
I use a Push Cart now instead of the old Pull Cart. What a difference! It's so much easier to get around the course... especially with bicycle type tires.
I've always trucked my Cart and Bag separately. I get to the course, unfold the Push Cart, strap the bag on, and away I go. Easy as can be.
I never use a pull cart. I prefer to carry my bag. The newer bags with the dual shoulder strap setup are a lot easier on your back because they distribute the weight a lot more evenly than the old, single-strap bags.